Overview

• Former President Moncef Marzouki was sentenced to eight years in prison in absentia for remarks deemed to incite disorder and call for the overthrow of the government.
• Marzouki, a vocal critic of President Kais Saied's consolidation of power, has been living in Paris since his initial sentencing in 2021.
• The charges stem from Marzouki's criticism of Saied's actions, including suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution, which opponents liken to a coup.
• This is the second time Marzouki has been sentenced in absentia, following a four-year verdict in 2021 for undermining state security.
• The sentencing raises concerns about the state of democracy and freedom in Tunisia, as Saied's crackdown on opposition figures and critics continues.